His outings have been infrequent, his effectiveness startling. In 14 innings spanning 10 appearances, Kieschnick, a righty, has yet to yield a run. He has struck out 14, walked two and held the opposition to a .152 batting average, by far the lowest on the staff.

"He's got a slider and a change-up and they're both pretty good," said Charlotte manager Nick Capra, a former Bisons outfielder.

Sounds legitimate.

"I think it can be," Capra said. "He'll throw in low 90s, but right now we're not as worried about velocity as we are just creating an arm angle and keeping it. If he can get consistent with that I think he's got a chance. And if it works I'm coming back as a pitcher."